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As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, we often find ourselves sharing our homes with unwanted guests— insects. From ants to mosquitoes, pests are attracted to the warmth and shelter that our homes provide. While it’s tempting to turn to chemical sprays, these can be harmful to both our health and the environment.
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Fortunately, there are several natural remedies available that can help keep your home insect-free without resorting to toxic chemicals. By using simple, safe ingredients found in your kitchen, you can create a pest-free zone for you and your family. Here are some effective and easy-to-use tips and tricks to keep your home insect-free during the winter months using all-natural ingredients.
Cloves
Cloves are a great natural remedy to keep insects away, especially mosquitoes and ants. The strong scent of cloves is a natural insect repellent. To use cloves as a pest deterrent, you can place whole cloves in areas where insects are known to frequent, like windowsills, doorways, or kitchen counters. A simple trick is to stick a few cloves into an orange or lemon, creating a natural air freshener that also repels insects. Additionally, you can make clove-infused oil by simmering cloves in water and using it as a spray around the house.
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Lemon
Lemon is another great natural repellent for insects. Its citrus scent is disliked by many pests, including mosquitoes, ants, and flies. To use lemon, simply cut it into halves or quarters and place it in areas where insects might enter or gather. You can also create a natural insect spray by mixing lemon juice with water and a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint. Spray this mixture around windows, doors, and entry points to create a barrier against unwanted pests.
Vinegar
Vinegar is known for its versatility, and it’s also effective at keeping insects away. The strong odour of vinegar repels many pests, including ants, flies, and spiders. For an insect-repelling spray, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where pests are likely to enter. You can also soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them in areas like cabinets, cupboards, or near windows. The vinegar scent will deter pests, and it will also help clean surfaces, leaving your home fresh and bug-free.
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Salt
Salt is a powerful, all-natural insect repellent that can be used in various ways to keep your home pest-free during the winter. Ants are particularly sensitive to salt and sprinkling it around entry points or along the path they travel will create a barrier that they won’t cross. You can also sprinkle salt on windowsills, doorways, and cracks where insects might enter your home. Additionally, salt can be used to eliminate unwanted pests in your pantry, such as silverfish and cockroaches. Simply sprinkle a little salt on shelves or areas where pests have been seen.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its strong odour, which is very effective at repelling a variety of insects. It’s particularly useful against mosquitoes, flies, and even rodents. To use garlic as a natural insect repellent, crush a few cloves of garlic and mix them with water to create a homemade spray. You can also create garlic-infused oil to use as a natural insect deterrent around the home. If you prefer a less potent smell, you can hang garlic bulbs in entryways or around your kitchen to keep insects at bay.
Basil
Basil is a herb that not only adds flavour to your dishes but also acts as an excellent natural insect repellent. Its strong scent is a turnoff for pests like mosquitoes and flies. You can grow basil plants in small pots and place them near windows or doors to help keep insects away. Alternatively, you can place fresh basil leaves in areas where you notice pests. For a more concentrated effect, you can crush basil leaves and mix them with water to create a natural insect-repellent spray.
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Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another wonderful ingredient that can help keep insects at bay. The smell of cinnamon is known to repel ants, flies, and even cockroaches. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder in areas where you’ve seen insects, like corners, windowsills, and entry points. If you prefer, you can also use cinnamon essential oil. Mix it with water and a few drops of dish soap, and spray it around your home. Not only will it repel pests, but it will also leave your house smelling wonderful.
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Mint
Mint is not just a refreshing herb—it’s also a powerful insect repellent. The strong aroma of mint is unpleasant to insects, and it can keep them away naturally. To use mint as an insect repellent, you can plant mint around your home, especially near windows and doorways, to create a natural barrier. You can also crush fresh mint leaves and place them in small cloth sachets or cotton bags, which can be hung around the house. Alternatively, mix a few drops of mint essential oil with water and use it as a spray to keep your home pest-free.
